Forum Discussion
NaturalBel
9 years agoMember
Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor
I had Triple Negative Breast Cancer diagnosed back in November 2012. Now after all the treatment and appointments, specialists and monitoring, I am still here and so far so good. I don't regularly came onto the BCNA Website now, however I was a prominent visitor for the year of 2013, for those who recognize my photo. After all the successful ops, chemo and rads, we moved to Sydney and been here for 2 years. I had taken a year off during my Cancer and it was necessary. The return to work was difficult and I went back part time. My brain was like mush originally and my work place tolerated me with kindness. I returned as a Pharmacy Assistant, and stepped into a very busy work place here in Sydney, but still working only 4 days a week. They have given me zero responsibility and menial tasks. I was upfront the week before my 6 months probation finished, about having had Cancer.
I was called in for the Familial Genetic blood test, and discovered there was no connection. They just put it down to "Environmental". I have learnt that people who have not had Cancer don't understand what it is and have short concentration spans if you try to involve them. The ongoing health situation, or physical ailments you may get are also something people have no idea of and little tolerance for. I am healthy and learning to play Golf in a Clinic - and enjoying the challenge. My right arm is not over the moon about it, (underarm and elbow, with slight discomfort), but I simply just go through each day now as though Cancer never happened. Although it is always at the back of my mind. It is the yearly monitoring and weekly checks that keep me real.
Survivor Belinda McKenna
I was called in for the Familial Genetic blood test, and discovered there was no connection. They just put it down to "Environmental". I have learnt that people who have not had Cancer don't understand what it is and have short concentration spans if you try to involve them. The ongoing health situation, or physical ailments you may get are also something people have no idea of and little tolerance for. I am healthy and learning to play Golf in a Clinic - and enjoying the challenge. My right arm is not over the moon about it, (underarm and elbow, with slight discomfort), but I simply just go through each day now as though Cancer never happened. Although it is always at the back of my mind. It is the yearly monitoring and weekly checks that keep me real.
Survivor Belinda McKenna
20 Replies
- NaturalBelMemberWell I think I was perhaps a bit crazy to start with and a bit terrified. I am noticing a common link with the "types" of people who often get Cancer, and being emotional, a worrier, a thinker, are my personality traits I always noticed about myself. But the other side of that is communication. That is what this website will be valuable for. Reaching out and getting some great ideas. The fight never stops really, within ourselves. To carry on regardless and "hope for the best". The entire way through that 6 months of Chemo and Rads, I was very busy with appointments. Always ask Medical Staff medical questions straight away. Right stuff down. Ring the Cancer Council every time you think of something you need help with. Join groups, get counselling, do what you feel is going make it easier down the track. Open up, let go, have a cry, but never bottle it in and not sharing isn't great long term. We are all different. I got through, but each day still I say "Thank you for this day !" after all, life will never be the same again! Best of luck and ask for my help any time! Cheers from Bel
- seadog3172Member
Hi Belinda, my wife Monica is 40 and has just been diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. It's obviously very scary for her and for me but reading your story has given me hope for our future, Thanks so much for sharing and good on you for fighting so hard.
Best wishes
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- NaturalBelMemberI am still "Cancer Free" in case any one thought I had a 2nd bout. All good so far! Cheer and Happy Easter! xx
- mum2jjMember@fairydust good for you and Happy Birthday.
Paula xx - fairydustMemberHi Bel glad to hear there is life after cancer. I am also triple negative just finished treatment after a year. I said to my surgeon how do you not worry about reccurrence. He said to me I was lucky. mmm He then went on to say that if I was cancer free for 3 years with this type of cancer I would be in the clear. Good to know.
Unless they have had a friend or family member with cancer most people do not want to know. For some reason people love to relate horror stories of people who had problems with cancer. Is that meant to make you feel better?
Am I still the same ? Probably not. Physically a bit wonky but I am here and its my birthday today and I get to celebrate another year of life. - adeanMemberHallo young lady weve missed you great to see your going well and not moved again.lol adean xxx
- SoldierCrabMember@KathSeward I remember the just post treatment time, it feels weird you go from intensity of appointments, chemo, rads drs appointments...then bam nothing....... I want to encourage you to find something you enjoy art, walking, music, cooking whatever it is and slowly focus on enjoying it again. If you are struggling mentally see your GP and get a mental health plan... this gives you 10 visits to a clinical pyschologist, you can check with your bc nurse if you want if there is a specialist oncology psychologist in your area.....
You will get thru this time.... Im 4.5 years since diagnosis....
Soldier crab xxx - KathSeMemberGreat news
And gives me heart! Im triple neg diagnosed in July 2016 and have just finished treatment in Feb. Freaking out about everything. Thanks ladiesxxxx - mum2jjMemberHi Bel, Great to hear from you, I remember your post well as I was getting over my recurrence in 2011 at the time of your posting. Glad you are doing well and thanks for popping in.
Paula xx - iserbrownMemberHi Bel - lovely to see you on the network and full of positivity! Enjoy the golf and the beautiful golf courses!
Take care